ELDER KEVIN A. FORD
Pastor Kevin Anthony Ford’s lifelong relationship and commitment to the Church of God in Christ and the community are deeply rooted in history. He is the grandson of Bishop Louis Henry Ford, former International Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the Church of God in Christ, and the son of Bishop Charles Mason Ford, former Chairman of the National Board of Trustees. This exposure helped him navigate with effective leadership and become a visionary committed to excellence.
He started his 30-year career with the County of Cook in the Criminal Courts as a Court Clerk, transitioned to the Department of Corrections, reached the level of Lieutenant Commander, and served as Assistant Superintendent in the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.
Pastor Ford finalized his career with Cook County as a Program Manager in the Bureau of Administration Planning Department for the Federal Homes Program. Today, Pastor Ford’s commitment to economic development manifests through the engine of:
Fiscal Management – saving $100M in water fees for non-profits in Chicago
- Established the Interfaith Coalition to Restore the Water Fee Exemption to Religious Institutions to lead the 2-year victory to reverse the city’s decision with an ordinance
Property Management – assets of $30M
Board President of 4 corporations:
- St Paul Church of God in Christ
- St Paul Community Development Ministries
- Margaret Ford Manor 60-unit senior living
- Victoria Jennings Residences 24-unit disabled families
Workforce & Community Development
- 251+ men & women placed into U.S. Department of Labor skilled building trades unions with living wages, medical benefits, and pension
Commitment to Housing for Youth & Veterans
- Construction of a 60-unit veterans housing presently in motion
Other leadership roles include (not limited to):
- Appointed to the Economic Development Board by the Presiding Bishop, J. Drew Sheard
- Appointed President: Urban Ministries by the First Jurisdiction Illinois Church of God in Christ